Schools re-open in Sri Lanka amid heavy security

Colombo: Secondary schools in Sri Lanka reopened Monday amid heavy security.

Extensive security measures remain in place as the second term of government schools for Grade 6 and above commenced.

The term was expected begin on 22 April, however, that was pushed back following the Easter Sunday terror attacks on 21 April.

To prepare for the reopening, Sri Lankan security forces launched searched in all schools within the Colombo area. As part of the operation, 375 groups comprising 10 security personnel each and sniffer dogs were deployed to all schools within the city's 1-15 education zone.

Sri Lanka's army also said that 7,000 soldiers conducted search operations at schools across the country.

“Accordingly, the army together with the police, have conducted extensive search operations at schools during the last couple of days before handing them over to school authorities,” the Army's media unit also said.

In addition to the search operations, the army also held awareness programmes for school teachers, parents and school prefects on how to ahndle emergency situations and security alerts. The army has also strengthened road blocks and security patrols near schools.

In a special statement issued to schools children and parents, the Sri Lankan Army advised parents to accompany their children to school and to avoid large gatherings.

The special public advisory adds, “Ensure that children are always accompanied by parents or guardians to school and that they get back home as soon as possible without loitering. Parents should also be vigilant about rumour mongers.School children should also avoid gathering near the school main gate during starting hours and finishing hours of the school sessions."

A number of measures to enhance security on the island in the aftermath of the attack remain in place as security forces continue to conduct searches across the country.

A spokesperson for the police confirmed on Monday that a deadline for members of the public to hand over any illegal swords, kris knives, and sharp daggers at their nearest police station had been extended by 48 hours.

Hundreds of illegal weapons were seized during the search missions conducted since the terror attacks on Easter Sunday.

Several suspects were arrested and multiple weapons were seized in the process at a house in Kattankudy suspected of being used for training and coordinating the Easter Sunday attacks The discovery of the hideout was based on a tip-off from an individual arrested Monday morning.

Police confirmed that one of the suspected bombers had previously lived at the property, which authorities later learned was owned by someone suspected of being involved in the murder of two policemen in Vavnunathivu. A stock of explosives and chemical substances were discovered in the three-story residence.

Meanwhile, security forces found 235 knives during a search operation in Deen Road, Kattankudy. Police stated that the knives were packed in two containers and thrown into a water stream.

Three people were arrested during an inspection of a shop where ammo for assault rifles, three detonators, and multiple sets of camouflage uniforms were found, state media reported.

Additionally, in Kandy, several people were arrested for suspected links to a banned terror organisation. Police found a stock of T-56 assault rifle bullets in their possession. On interrogating the suspects, police learned that another stock of bullets had been thrown in a marshy area near the Polgolla reserve. Authorities launched a search operation in the area, subsequently discovering extremist material.